14, May 2025
L and T secures contracts for Building and Factories Business

Chandigarh, May 14, 2025: The Buildings & Factories (B&F) vertical of L&T has secured large orders from various state and central government undertakings in India.

It has secured an engineering, procurement & construction (EPC) order from the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) for the construction of Common Central Secretariat buildings 6 & 7 in New Delhi. The project encompasses two buildings of 1 basement + 2 podiums + upper ground + 6 floors configuration.

L&T’s scope involves civil structure, finishes, associated MEP services, as well as external development within the site, and operation & maintenance for five years.

B&F has also secured a design & construction order from the Government of Andhra Pradesh for the construction of the State Legislative Assembly. The project scope includes construction of the Assembly building having one basement + ground + 3 floors configuration.

Both these projects are to be executed within a stringent timeline of 18 months.

Background:

Larsen & Toubro is a USD 30 billion Indian multinational engaged in EPC Projects, Hi-Tech Manufacturing, and Services, operating across multiple geographies. A strong, customer–focussed approach and the constant quest for top-class quality have enabled L&T to attain and sustain leadership in its major lines of business for eight decades.

Classification Significant Large Major Mega Ultra-Mega
Value in ₹ Cr 1,000 to 2,500 2,500 to 5,000 5,000 to 10,000 10,000 to 15,000 > 15,000

14, May 2025
MAHE Researchers Pioneer Comprehensive Review on Advanced Brain Aging Models in High-Impact Journal

Manipal, India, May 14, 2025: Researchers from Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) have published a groundbreaking review that charts the future of brain aging research, potentially accelerating discoveries in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

The comprehensive review titled “Transformative Advances in Modelling Brain Aging and Longevity: Success, Challenges and Future Directions” appears in the prestigious journal Ageing Research Reviews (Impact Factor 13.1), establishing MAHE’s position at the forefront of neuroscience research innovation.

Dr. Abhishek Kumar Singh, Associate Professor at the Manipal Centre for Biotherapeutic Research (MCBR), and Dr. TMA Pai Scholar Varsha Pai co-authored this significant contribution to the field, which examines the evolution from traditional research methods to cutting-edge technologies that more accurately represent human brain aging.

“Our aging population faces unprecedented challenges from neurodegenerative diseases,” said Dr. Singh. “This review critically evaluates how new modelling approaches can revolutionize our understanding of brain aging mechanisms and accelerate therapeutic development.”

The publication highlights the transition from conventional 2D cell cultures and animal models to sophisticated 3D systems such as brain organoids and brain-on-chip platforms. These advanced models more faithfully replicate human brain aging processes, providing researchers with superior tools for studying age-related neurological conditions.

Emphasizing the importance of this research Dr. Raviraja NS, Head of MCBR, said, “At MCBR, MAHE, we are passionately dedicated to driving translational research that bridges laboratory innovation with real-world impact. This comprehensive review is a testament to the high caliber of scientific inquiry conducted at MCBR. This review sets a robust foundation for developing more precise, human-relevant models to understand and combat brain aging and neurodegeneration. We believe that these efforts will significantly contribute to improving both health span and lifespan.”

MAHE supported the research by funding both the fellowship and the publication as an open-access article, ensuring maximum visibility and impact within the scientific community and beyond.

14, May 2025
Twin Triumphs of Tenacity in CBSE 2025: Exemplary Results by SAIoneers

Mumbai, National, 13 May 2025: The SAI International Education Group is humbled to announce the exemplary achievements of its students across SAI International School (SIS) and SAI International Residential School (SIRS) in the CBSE Class X and XII Board Examinations, on 13 May 2025, setting an unbroken legacy of 100% first-division results in both the schools since inception.

In the All-India Senior School Certificate Examination (AISSCE), SAIoneer Dhiraj Dhanuka topped the Commerce stream with an outstanding 98.8%. Anoushka Panda stood tall as the Humanities topper with 98.2%, while N. Shreya Amolika led the Science stream with an impressive 98%. In Class XII, 100% of students scored above 60 percent, with 20.27% securing more than 95 percent, 44.6% achieving above 90 percent, and 91.5% scoring more than 75 percent. The school average stood at a remarkable 88.80%, with stream-wise averages of 88.28% in Science, 89.08% in Commerce, and 89.05% in Humanities.

Students of SAI International after the declaration of CBSC Board Results

The stellar performances in the CBSE Class X Board Examinations further reinforced the school’s commitment to academic distinction. SAIoneer Aahana Parija emerged as one of the toppers with 99.2%, followed by Harsh Agarwall with 98.8%, securing the second position. The third rank was jointly held by Anushka Panda, Vallabh Sairaman Agrawalla, and Swagat Mohapatro, each scoring 98.6%. All students scored above 60%, with 21.72% securing above 95 percent, 59.22% scoring above 90 percent, and 93.23% achieving more than 75 percent, resulting in an impressive school average of 88.82%.

At SAI International Residential School (SIRS), the students celebrated equally noteworthy success. In Class XII, SAIoneers Nikhit Kasera and Shiksha Banka, both from the Commerce stream, secured the top position with 98%, while Humanities students Nitya Sethia and Kasish Gupta scored 97%. In the Science stream, Preeyansh Tibrewal stood out with 96%. 100% of students scored above 60 percent, with 18.4% securing over 95 percent, 39.16% above 90 percent, and 86.41% scoring more than 75 percent. The school average reached 87.69%, with stream averages of 87.20% in Science, 88.07% in Humanities, and 87.81% in Commerce.

SIRS also witnessed a commendable performance in the Class X Board Examinations. SAIoneer Archit Agarwal topped the residential wing with a stellar 97.2%, followed by Shiv Agnihotri with 96.6% in second place, and Mayank Kumar Beria securing third position with 94.2%. The school recorded a strong overall average of 83.01%, once again reflecting its unwavering focus on nurturing academic achievers and providing a foundation of excellence.

Dr. Silpi Sahoo, Chairperson, SAI International Education Group, remarked, “This dual triumph epitomizes the synergy of day-school dynamism and residential resilience. At SIS, innovation thrives in collaborative classrooms; at SIRS, discipline merges with the balance of body, mind and soul. These results are not mere percentages—they are echoes of midnight oil burned, mentors’ tireless guidance, and parents’ unwavering faith. Together, we sculpt scholars who excel not just in exams, but as architects of tomorrow.”

“I am truly grateful for this achievement and owe my success to the constant support and encouragement of my parents, teachers,and mentors. The structured guidance, regular assessments, and personalised attention at SAI International played a vital role in helping us stay focused and confident throughout our journey. I am proud to represent a school that always motivates me and my peers to aim high and be the best version of ourselves.” – reflected, Class XII Topper Dhiraj Dhanuka (98.8%, Commerce, Class XII Topper SIS).

I am elated with my scores and can’t wait to tell my parents. The environment at SAI International Residential School helped me stay disciplined and focused, while the constant encouragement fromZ my teachers made learning enjoyable. I am especially thankful to my mentors who guided me every step of the way, and to my parents for their unwavering support. This success truly belongs to everyone who believed in me.”
– expressed, Archit Agarwal (97.2%, Class X Topper, SIRS).

13, May 2025
JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar Welcomes Mr. Chirag Lacca as Director of Sales

Mumbai, May 2025: JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Chirag Zubin Lacca as the new Director of Sales.

Chirag Lacca

A proactive, ambitious hospitality professional, Chirag brings with him a deep-rooted commitment to excellence and exceptional industry expertise with over 10 years of experience. Armed with a B.A. (Hons.) degree in Hotel Management from IHM Aurangabad, Chirag thrives in deadline-driven hospitality environments.

With a track record of Profit and loss-focused success, he has excelled in cultivating excellent relationships with not just the existing clients, but also newer prospects. Over the years, Chirag has driven revenue growth and ensured profitability across clients globally. Chirag’s contributions have earned him numerous achievements, he has successfully fostered key partnerships with Public Sector Banks (PSB)’s to tie-up for Holiday Home Plan across 40 hotels of IHCL Portfolio thereby increasing account contribution by 115% over preceding years. Chirag has retained key accounts which contribute to a tune of 20% of Non-Resident Banquet Revenue to the Flagship – Taj Mahal Palace & Tower. Ancillary programs of the group were effectively leveraged to increase segment sales to PSU, PSB’s and Key corporates in the portfolio.

His illustrious career spans across esteemed brands like Taj Hotels and Accor Hotels. Prior to joining JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar, Chirag was at GSO Pune and held the position of the Associate Director of Sales for Taj. He has also played a pivotal role as the Director of Sales in Taj Wellington Mews, Mumbai; Account Manager at Indian Hotels Company Limited, South Mumbai (PSU, Corporates); Sales Manager at Taj Wellington Mews, Luxury Residencies, Mumbai; and  Assistant Sales Manager at Novotel Hotels, Goa.

In his new role, Chirag will be responsible for handling complex negotiations and implementing strategic sales initiatives that align seamlessly with the brand’s pursuit of elevated guest experiences. With a strong belief in a Collaborative Workstyle, Chirag will work closely with all the business segments emphasizing teamwork, trust, and tolerance, thus fostering an environment conducive to achieving financial objectives while maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction.

JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar is thrilled to welcome Chirag Lacca and looks forward to his contributions in furthering the hotel’s growth and success.

13, May 2025
Tattva School (a part of Ryan Edunation) celebrates commendable results in CBSE Class 10 Board Examinations 2025

13th May, 2025 – Bangalore: Tattva School, a premier CBSE institution in Bangalore, has once again showcased academic excellence with remarkable results in the CBSE Class 10 Board Examinations for 2025.

Leading the cohort is Poorvika Sampathu, who achieved an exceptional score of 96%, exemplifying academic diligence and focus. She is followed by Neelambika Chandan, a gifted child, who scored an impressive 94.4%. Neelambika’s achievement is a testament to her determination and the school’s inclusive and nurturing environment. She dreams of pursuing higher studies at IIT, driven by her passion and perseverance.

Adding to the celebration is Ayana Vinod, who secured 93.6% while balancing her academic pursuits with a flourishing sports career. A state medalist in long jump, Ayana trains at the prestigious Anju Bobby George Sports Academy and has earned numerous accolades in athletics.

Tattva School (a part of Ryan Edunation) celebrates commendable results in CBSE Class 10 Board Examinations 2025

Top Performers of the School:

  • Poorvika Sampathu – 96%

  •  Neelambika Chandan Kumar Aladahalli – 94.4%

  • Aaryaman Thakur – 94.2%

  • Ayana Vinod – 93.6%

Speaking on the students’ stellar performance, Ms. Mamatha Rao, Principal of Tattva School, said: “We are incredibly proud of our students’ outstanding achievements. Their hard work, along with the dedicated support of our teachers, has resulted in these excellent results. At Tattva, we are committed to creating a supportive environment that encourages both academic success and overall growth.”

Ms. Nidhi Thapar, Academic Head, reflected on the students’ success, saying:

“Behind every great result is a journey filled with learning, curiosity, and growth. What makes this achievement truly special is how our students embraced challenges and pushed their own boundaries. It’s not just about the marks—they’ve developed resilience, discipline, and a mindset geared for lifelong learning. We’re proud to have played a role in shaping their academic and personal journeys.”

Mr. Ryan Pinto, CEO, Ryan International Group of Institutions, congratulated the students and school community, stating: “These outstanding results are a reflection of the values we stand for across the Ryan Group—excellence, perseverance, and holistic development. It’s inspiring to see how our learners at Tattva School have not only excelled academically but have also grown into confident, capable individuals ready to take on the future. My heartfelt congratulations to the students, educators, and parents who together made this success possible.”

13, May 2025
Battleground ends with a bang as Rounak Gulia from Abhishek Malhan’s team and Rajat Dalal team’s Nikhil Singh lift the trophy on Amazon MX Player

MUMBAI, India–May 13, 2025: The stage was set, the stakes were sky-high, and emotions ran deep on Amazon MX Player, Amazon’s free video streaming service, as Battleground came to a powerful close. Standing tall at the finish line were Rounak Gulia and Nikhil Singh, who emerged as the ultimate winners in female and male category respectively. With the guidance of super-mentor Shikhar Dhawan and mentors, Abhishek Malhan, Rubina Dilaik, Neeraj Goyat, and Rajat Dalal, while testing physical endurance, mental strategy, and emotional resilience, the grand finale was an explosive conclusion to weeks of high-octane drama.

BG- WINNER

Launched as a one-of-a-kind fitness reality show, Battleground struck a chord with young audiences across the country. The finale week pulled out all the stops, with nail-biting showdowns, shifting alliances, and heartfelt emotional moments that defined the true spirit of the show. From over-the-top tasks to game-changing powerplays, Rounak Gulia from Delhi Dominators and Nikhil Singh from Haryana Bulls, consistently delivered standout performances. In the final stretch, Rounak defeated Nisha in a gripping face-off, while Nikhil outplayed Raja in a clash of titans, both securing their place as ‘INDIA’s first ultimate FITNESS SUPERSTAR’.

Abhishek Malhan, who guided his team through the toughest challenges, expressed immense pride, “I’m so proud of Rounak and the entire Delhi Dominators team. Their dedication, camaraderie, and tireless effort made them stand out every step of the way. Rounak has proven that no obstacle is too big when you have the heart to fight. The entire team gave their best, and I couldn’t be prouder to have shared this journey with them.”

Talking about his team’s journey and the show, Rajat Dalal, shared, “This season of Battleground has been nothing short of extraordinary, and watching Team Haryana Bulls evolve through every challenge has been incredibly fulfilling. Nikhil’s win is a proud moment for all of us, but it’s not just about one individual. It’s about the resilience, unity, and hunger that our team showed throughout the season. Battleground gave us a stage, but my team gave it heart. I’m proud of every single one of them for representing Haryana Bulls with such fire.”

Rounak Gulia, sharing her emotions after her hard-earned victory, said, “I’ve given everything to this journey, every ounce of sweat, every second of doubt. But today, standing as the winner, I feel all of that was worth it. A massive thank you to Abhishek Sir for pushing me beyond my limits and teaching me that true strength comes from within. His mentorship shaped me into the competitor I am today. I walked in here as a challenger and I leave as a champion.”

Nikhil Singh, who secured his win in a gripping finale duel against Raja, reflected on his victory, “This journey has been a game-changer for me, not just as a competitor but as a person. The tasks were gruelling, and there were moments when I doubted whether I could make it, but Rajat Sir taught me the value of staying calm under pressure. This win is a tribute to everything I’ve learned, my team’s relentless support, and my belief in myself. It’s truly an unforgettable moment.”

13, May 2025
Dreams Take Flight from Dantewada: NMDC’s ‘Choo Lo Aasmaan’ Helps Topper Aim for IIT

nmdc

Dantewada: Ramshila Nag, 15, from Pondum village in Dantewada district, secured the top rank in the district and placed ninth in the entire state in the CG State Matriculation Examination. She now aims to crack the engineering entrance exam and secure admission to the Indian Institute of Technology , particularly IIT Madras.

“It is the happiest day of my life. I want to pursue Mathematics in Class 11 and clear the IIT entrance. Without NMDC’s support, this dream wouldn’t have been possible,” she said.

Out of 600, Ramshila scored 587 marks, achieving a remarkable 97.83%. She is one of the top scorers of the Class 10 Board Examination conducted by the Chhattisgarh Board of Secondary Education. This year, the overall pass percentage stood at 76.53%, with 80.70% of girls passing the exam compared to 71.39% of boys.

Ramshila is a student of Choo Lo Aasmaan, a free residential coaching programme fully supported by NMDC under its CSR initiatives. Designed to impart regular education from classes 9th to 12th and simultaneously prepare students from underprivileged backgrounds for competitive exams like NEET and JEE Mains, the initiative has been a lifeline for many like Ramshila. “Coaching of this kind is often unaffordable for families like mine,” she added.

She comes from a humble background, with her father being a farmer and her mother a housewife. As the youngest of four siblings, she lives and studies at the Choo Lo Aasmaan residential school near Geedam. “I dedicate this success to my teachers, wardens, peers, and most importantly, my family and NMDC. Now, I believe that other girls from my village will also dare to dream,” she said.

Her breakthrough came when she enrolled in the NMDC’s “Choo Lo Aasmaan” CSR initiative. The school, established by NMDC’s under its CSR, aims to provide quality education to students from remote tribal belts. “When I got selected for Choo Lo Aasmaan in Class 9, I knew things would change,” said Ramshila, speaking from the residential school where she lives and studies. “We get everything: books, coaching, even uniforms. My teachers believed in me from day one. “

Operated in partnership with the district administration since 2011, the Choo Lo Aasmaan initiative admits 160 students each year (80 girls and 80 boys) offering them access to residential facilities, uniforms, academic support, and mentorship. To date, the programme has benefitted over 1000 students, with NMDC investing approximately Rs.350 lakhs annually.

Another high achiever from the district, Vani Sahoo, also attributes her success to the same programme, proving how NMDC is truly changing the narrative of Dantewada .

Additionally, students of the Choo Lo Aasmaan initiative have delivered outstanding results, with a 100% success rate in both Class 10 and 12 board examinations. All top district performers are from this programme including Astha Verma and Niharika Poya who secured the third position in the district with an impressive 95.83%, followed by Tanu Sahoo in sixth place with 95.67%, and Reshma Baghel in seventh with 95.50%. Saraswati Nag ranked eighth with 94.83%, Tamanna Manavi ninth with 94.50%, and Geeta secured the tenth spot with 94.71%. Notably, eight students of Class 10 achieved a perfect score of 100 in Social Science showcasing the programme’s academic rigour.

“The story of Ramshila and others is not just one of academic excellence,; it’s about what can happen when opportunity meets determination,” said Mr. P. Shyam, General Manager, CSR, NMDC. He added, “NMDC’s other initiatives like Balika Shiksha Yojana, Astha Gurukul, Saksham, and many more serve as a beacon of hope for students in Bastar Division of Chhattisgarh. These programs have changed the lives of many families and will continue to do so.”

13, May 2025
SuperBottoms achieves 95% delivery success rate with Shipway integration

Delhi NCR; 13th May 2025: SuperBottoms, a sustainable baby and mother care brand, has partnered with Unicommerce-owned Shipway Technology Private Limited (‘Shipway’) to streamline and optimise its logistics operations.

Founded by Pallavi Utagi in 2018, SuperBottoms is leading India’s “Guilt-Free Diapering” revolution by empowering parents to ditch disposable diapers in favour of safe, sustainable cloth diapers. Given its customers’ close dependence on timely and reliable diaper deliveries, SuperBottoms deployed logistics management platform Shipway to handle deliveries in metros and tier 1 cities, where most of its customers are.

Through its integration with Shipway, SuperBottoms has achieved improvements in its logistics performance. These include achieving a 95% delivery success rate through algorithm-driven courier partner selection. The Shipway’s technology platform utilises algorithms that factor in location, product type, and packet size and delivery time window to select the most-suited courier partner for each shipment.

Prompt order acceptance and processing and digitised order segregation removes any process delays. Shipway’s technology provides end-to-end visibility and control over order fulfilment with its unified shipping allocation platform.

Pallavi Utagi, Co-founder of SuperBottoms, commented, “Our customers place a lot of reliance on our commitment to make time-bound, error-free deliveries. Our partnership with Shipway has transformed our logistics operations, with higher delivery success rates and reduced RTOs. The unified platform has given us greater visibility and control, directly translating to better customer satisfaction and significant cost savings. This partnership is a key enabler in our journey to scale efficiently and delight our customers.”

“Our technology-driven capabilities drive operational efficiencies and cost savings. We are delighted to deliver high-impact outcomes for SuperBottom as they expand their business and establish high customer service standards,” said Saurabh Kumar Choudhary, Chief Business Officer at Shipway

SuperBottoms also uses Unicommerce’s Uniware platform to manage orders from its website and to service orders received through marketplaces such as Meesho, quick-commerce channels like Zepto, and baby-focused brands such as FirstCry. Uniware provides a unified dashboard for orders across multiple channels, making operations more efficient. Real-time inventory synchronisation across platforms reduces the risk of overselling and stock-outs, while automated order processing and fulfilment speed up dispatch and minimise manual errors.

According to a report by Mordor Intelligence, India’s baby care market is worth USD 4.94 billion and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 11.76% to USD 8.61 billion by 2030. Data analysed by Unicommerce shows that online order volumes for baby care products grew by 30% in FY24 across India’s Tier 2 and 3 cities. This highlights the rapid shift towards e-commerce and the growing demand for convenient, high-quality baby care solutions beyond metro areas.

13, May 2025
Udaipur Marriott Hotel Strengthens Leadership Team with Key Appointments

National, 13th May 2025: Udaipur Marriott Hotel, the first hotel in Udaipur under the flagship Marriott Hotels brand today announced the appointment of key leadership roles across verticals, further solidifying its commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences, operational excellence, and brand growth.

Tapan Mudgal joins Udaipur Marriott Hotel as Director of Food & Beverage, bringing over a decade of experience and having been part of the pre-opening team since January 2025. In his new role, he will lead the F&B division across the 226-room property, focusing on revenue growth, operational excellence, and elevated guest experiences. Previously, as Director of F&B at Jaipur Marriott, Mudgal achieved record-breaking revenues and successfully led high-profile events. Known for his people-first leadership and commitment to talent development, he is set to play a pivotal role in defining the hotel’s culinary and service standards.

Arjun KS, Director of Finance, brings with him 14 years of rich experience and a sharp focus on financial strategy and associate development. His Marriott journey began at JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru, and he has since held key roles across multiple properties including Courtyard by Marriott Shillong, Courtyard & Fairfield by Marriott Outer Ring Road Bengaluru, Sheraton Hyderabad, and Renaissance Bengaluru Race Course Hotel. Prior to this, he served as Director of Finance at Moxy Mumbai. With deep expertise across the Marriott portfolio, Arjun is well-positioned to drive financial excellence and support the hotel’s long-term growth.

Manish Vishwa, appointed as the Director of Engineering, brings over 20 years of experience in engineering operations across leading hospitality brands, including Hyatt, Marriott, and Amari, contributing his expertise to hotel pre-openings, refurbishments, and ongoing operations. His focus on infrastructure management and cost-effective solutions will be key to maintaining the hotel’s operational excellence.

Khushboo Sharma has been appointed Assistant Director of Human Resources at Udaipur Marriott Hotel. With 13+ years of experience, she began her career at Taj Lake Palace and has worked with Oberoi, Radisson, and Marriott since 2021. Most recently with Courtyard by Marriott Ahmedabad, Khushboo brings a people-first approach rooted in respect, excellence, and a passion for empowering teams.

Harish Chauhan has been appointed as the Room Division Manager bringing a strong track record from leading roles at The Westin Pushkar, Raffles Udaipur, and Hilton Jaipur. With a focus on guest satisfaction, team development, and operational excellence, his leadership is set to elevate the hotel’s service standards and overall guest experience.

Akhilesh VR, appointed Executive Housekeeper, brings 16 years of experience managing housekeeping operations across leading hotel brands such as Marriott International, Radisson Blu, Hyatt, ITC The Luxury Collection, and Club Mahindra Holidays. His expertise in team leadership and operational efficiency will be integral to maintaining high standards of guest satisfaction and quality at Udaipur Marriott Hotel.

Pradip Chandra Das has been appointed as the Loss Prevention Manager, with a strong background in safety and security across Marriott properties. His extensive certifications and experience managing high-risk situations will enhance safety and security at the hotel.

Shiv Prakash joins Udaipur Marriott Hotel as IT Manager, bringing over a decade of expertise in hospitality tech across marquee Marriott properties like JW Marriott Jaipur and Jaisalmer Marriott. Skilled in system integrations, compliance, and pre-opening setups, Prakash will ensure seamless and future-ready IT operations at the hotel.

Paramjot Soni joins Udaipur Marriott Hotel as Marketing and Communications Manager, bringing extensive experience across Marriott, IHG, and Chalet Hotels. With expertise in digital marketing, PR, brand partnerships, and content strategy, she’s known for her creative vision and hands-on approach. Paramjot will lead impactful campaigns to elevate the hotel’s visibility and positioning.

These strategic appointments mark a significant milestone in Udaipur Marriott Hotel’s journey, bringing together a dynamic team of seasoned professionals dedicated to upholding the brand’s promise of excellence.

13, May 2025
From Care to Global Collaboration: Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur’s Dr. Vinay Munikoty Venkatesh Joins SIOP as South India’s Country Ambassador

Bengaluru, India – Cancers in children are uncommon. About 5–10% of all cancer cases globally are caused by them. Cancer is a serious health issue in India, where more than 75,000 children and adolescents receive a diagnosis each year. Treatment improvements have resulted in survival rates of up to 90% in high-income countries, compared to only 30–40% in resource-constrained countries. This underscores the critical necessity for strong healthcare access and quality.

This is where international bodies like the International Society of Paediatric Oncology (SIOP) play a critical role. SIOP, the world’s largest global consortium dedicated to childhood cancer, works relentlessly to improve outcomes for children with cancer through education, research, advocacy, and capacity building. With members spanning doctors, nurses, and allied healthcare professionals, SIOP helps shape the future of paediatric oncology through shared knowledge and global collaboration.

vinay

In alignment with SIOP’s mission, Manipal Hospital, Yeshwanthpur has consistently prioritized excellence in paediatric oncology through multidisciplinary treatment, advanced technologies, and compassionate care. Recognizing these sustained efforts, Dr. Vinay Munikoty Venkatesh, Consultant – Paediatric Haematology Oncology and BMT, Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur and Whitefield, has been chosen as a SIOP Country Ambassador for South India – a proud milestone for both Dr. Vinay and Manipal Hospitals.

As one of only three ambassadors from India this year, Dr. Vinay will represent South India in SIOP’s Asia division, focusing on building professional networks, increasing awareness of childhood cancers, and improving access to equitable cancer care in the region. His work will also involve facilitating collaboration among paediatric oncologists, supporting continuing education, and contributing to national data and advocacy efforts.

Reflecting on his role as SIOP Country Ambassador for South India, Dr. Vinay shared, “This role is an opportunity to amplify our collective voice for children with cancer. My goal is to bridge gaps in awareness, access, and outcomes, especially in underserved areas. Every child deserves the best chance at life, and I hope to make a meaningful difference by representing India’s commitment on the global stage.”

This selection stands as a testament to Manipal Hospitals commitment to advancing paediatric oncology and contributing to global health leadership. It also reflects India’s growing presence in international platforms dedicated to transforming childhood cancer care. Dr. Vinay’s new role reinforces the hospital’s vision — to not just treat, but to lead, inspire, and build a healthier future for children across the region.